They replace the injured John McGuinness and Guy Martin in the team and the dynamic duo will also contest the Isle of Man TT on May 26-June 8, plus the Ulster Grand Prix on August 5-11.

Hutchinson is still battling the leg injury he suffered during the 2017 Senior TT race but is hoping to be fit for the start of the 2018 season.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started with Honda Racing; it’s a new challenge and a fresh start for me.” he 38 year old said as he joins Honda after two successful seasons with the Tyco BMW squad.

“I suppose I have quite a bit of history with Honda, ten years ago I rode with this official team and in 2009/2010 I rode with Padgetts Honda, so I know the Fireblade pretty well. I haven’t ridden the Fireblade SP2 yet and will have to wait until we go testing early next year, but I can’t wait to start making some progress. The Honda team has a lot of experience at the TT and its history speaks for itself with the wins and successes over the years, it’s also nice to see a lot of the team still here who I worked with in the past, so I’m confident that come the New Year we can get started and start aiming to where we want to be.” the Monster Energy athlete added.

The ‘Bingley Bullet’ is no stranger to Honda machinery, in 2010 he claimed his historic five-TT wins with the Padgetts Honda team and also won two North West races.

Hugely successful on the roads Hutchy is a 16-time TT winner with 27 TT podiums to his name and will be looking to further add to his tally, as well as claiming the maiden road-racing win for the Fireblade SP2.

Dream team.. both riders can’t wait to start racing and trying out the new Honda Fireblade SP2

Fermanagh racer Lee Johnston has also suffered injury over the past two seasons but is now looking forward to getting back on a Honda after several seasons on BMW machinery.

Former National Superstock 600 Champion Johnston made his debut at the North West 200 in 2008 and it was 2012 when he first rode the famous TT Mountain Circuit.

‘The General’ has impressed during his time on the roads collecting three wins and six podiums at the NW200, as well as two podiums at the Isle of Man TT.

Johnston also has strong links with the Louth-based squad, having worked closely with the Honda Endurance Racing team as its Le Mans 24-hour reserve rider.

With a long established history at the Isle of Man TT, Honda remains the most successful manufacturer at the event and the Fireblade still holds the accolade as the most successful 1000cc machine ever around the 37.73-mile circuit with 23 TT victories.

“I am genuinely excited about being with Honda Racing next year, I’m probably the most excited I’ve been in years if I’m honest! I have had two tough years and it’s nice to have everything organised and in place early so I have nothing to worry about apart from riding motorbikes. So that for me is the biggest thing and what I wanted more than anything, as I have no outside distractions and I can just concentrate on doing my job.” the Maguiresbridge man said.

Johnston tested the new Fireblade alongside Martin and McGuinness last season before his break with the Jackson Racing Honda team.

He also rode the new superbike at the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race.

“I enjoy riding the CBR, the tank fits me well and it isn’t as big as it looks! I just can’t wait now for testing to start in March and just get going with the new programme for the year.” he smiled as the announcement was made.

Both Hutchy and Johnson have won three North West 200 races and Honda Racing’s all-new line-up for 2018 is eager to tackle the road circuits, starting with the North West 200 in May.

HONDA RACING'S 2018 SCHEDULE:

Calm before the storm… John McGuinness goes through the start and finish chicane on the Honda Racing Fireblade during the Superbike practice session at the 2017 Vauxhall International North West 200 before his crash

Honda Racing’s new boss, 31 year old Jonny Twelvetrees said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to sign both Hutchy and Lee for our 2018 roads campaign. Hutchy’s record speaks for itself and especially so when he’s been on a Honda. Whilst always being aware of his determination and professionalism, this has been highlighted to me even more so when striking up the deal. I’m looking forward to seeing him on the SP2 at our opening test, he has plenty of past experience on the Fireblade, so I’m sure it won’t take him too long until he’s pushing on and able to feedback what he needs. Lee has always impressed me, he joined the Honda Endurance Racing team as a reserve rider for the Le Mans 24-hour and since then we had been watching from a roads perspective. He clearly has a talent on the roads and I am positive with the team we have, the Fireblade SP2 and the plans we have for the season that he can show his full potential. We’re really looking forward to working together and personally I can’t wait for us to be back on the roads.”